Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets Done Right

At Sean’s Cabinetry, we’re proud to partner with like-minded builders who value craftsmanship, integrity, and a strong sense of community. One recent collaboration we’re especially excited to share is a stunning two-tone kitchen cabinets we designed and installed for a home addition by Garvin Homes in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Garvin Homes, a family-owned business founded by Ben Garvin, brings over 18 years of experience in the construction industry. Ben and his wife Kate lead their company with a hands-on, client-focused approach. Like us, they’re committed to creating spaces that are not only beautifully built, but also deeply personal.

Together, we helped bring this warm, modern kitchen to life—a space that reflects thoughtful design, quality materials, and a beautiful collaboration between two local businesses who care deeply about the homes they help create in the Twin Cities.

1. Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

Two-tone kitchen cabinets continue to grow in popularity—and for good reason. In this beautifully designed kitchen, the blend of white upper cabinets and natural white oak lower cabinets brings depth, warmth, and a touch of the unexpected. While some might hesitate to mix finishes, this combination strikes the perfect balance between timeless and modern.

The frameless, full-overlay cabinet style keeps the look clean and streamlined, while the white uppers draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of taller ceilings. This not only makes the space feel more open, but also allows light to reflect throughout the room. In contrast, the lower cabinets in white oak visually ground the space and echo the tone of the white oak flooring, establishing a natural flow and continuity from floor to cabinetry.

A unique Emser tile backsplash introduces a splash of color and texture, adding visual intrigue without overwhelming the space. The hardware selection—black knobs on the white uppers and vintage bronze pulls on the oak base cabinets—adds yet another thoughtful layer of contrast and cohesion. Overhead, vintage bronze pendant lights tie it all together, completing this rich and balanced design.

This kitchen is a perfect example of how thoughtful material choices and careful craftsmanship can elevate a space from simple to striking.

2. White Kitchen Cabinets

While only the upper cabinets in this kitchen are white, they’re a reminder of just how versatile this design choice continues to be. At Sean’s Cabinetry, we believe that crisp, beautifully crafted white cabinets will never go out of style—and we know many of you would agree. For over two decades, white kitchens have held their place in the design world, and they continue to evolve in ways that feel both classic and fresh.

White cabinets serve as the perfect foundation. Whether you lean toward a bright, clean white or a softer, warmer tone, they offer a blank canvas for creativity and layering. They pair well with natural materials like wood and stone, and they provide the ideal backdrop for adding personality—through lighting fixtures, hardware, or textiles.

We love seeing clients bring their own touch to white kitchens with things like Roman shades, a colorful runner, unique backsplash tile, statement countertops, or even fun cushions on bar stools. These small details help bring warmth and individuality to a space.

White cabinets are here to stay.

3. Why We Love White Oak Cabinets

White oak continues to be one of the most popular wood species used in cabinetry—and for good reason. Known for its durability and natural beauty, white oak is considered a high-quality material that can last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. Regular dusting and cleaning are typically all that’s needed to keep it looking its best.

In this kitchen, we used white oak for the lower cabinets, and the result speaks for itself. There’s something about the tone and texture of white oak that instantly elevates a space. It’s elegant yet approachable—never too bold, but never boring. The wood’s natural neutral hue pairs perfectly with whites and other materials, creating a calming aesthetic.

One of the key benefits of white oak is its excellent resistance to moisture, making it an ideal choice for kitchens where spills and splashes are inevitable. Its tight grain pattern helps prevent mold and warping, ensuring your cabinets stay strong and beautiful for years to come.

White oak cabinetry grounds this kitchen and brings warmth and visual interest.

5. White Oak Island

The island in this kitchen is another standout feature, crafted from the same beautiful white oak as the base cabinetry and topped with a sleek white quartz countertop, installed by Affordable Granite. It perfectly complements the rest of the kitchen.

Though this kitchen is a modest 180 square feet (11 by 16 feet), the island is thoughtfully designed to maximize every inch. It includes extra drawers for added storage—ideal for keeping utensils, cookware, or small appliances neatly tucked away. One of the smartest features? A built-in microwave, perfectly integrated into the island to free up valuable counter space and keep the layout clean and efficient.

Two sides of the island are lined with comfortable counter stools. This area welcomes conversation with a morning coffee or appetizers. It’s casual yet inviting.

6. Mixing Knobs & Pulls

There’s an art to mixing finishes and knobs and pulls in a kitchen, and in this space, it was done with just the right amount of confidence and restraint. Instead of playing it safe with a single type of hardware, the design features a combination of rustic brushed bronze cup pulls and aged bronze ball knobs on the upper cabinets.

This layered approach adds depth and character. Proving that when mixing metals is done well, it brings a ton of personality and charm to the space.

If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen cabinets, the team at Sean’s Cabinetry is here to help bring your vision to life. As a custom cabinet shop, we work with high-quality materials like premium plywood and melamine—and we go a step further by using denser, more durable panels than what you’ll typically find at big box stores. For those who love the look and feel of natural wood, we also offer solid wood cabinet doors that bring warmth, character, and style to any space.

Still unsure what style is right for your home? Whether you’re drawn to rich, dark kitchens or prefer a lighter palette with white or two-tone kitchen cabinets, we’ve done it all. We’d love to help you create a space that feels just right for you. Reach out to Sean’s Cabinetry today, and let’s transform your kitchen into something truly special.